Lennie James plays Mr Loverman for BBC One

FIRST LOOK: Lennie James heads the cast of Mr Loverman, the BBC’s adaptation of Bernardine Evaristo’s 2013 novel that is due to air later this year.

James plays protagonist Barrington Jedidiah Walker, Barry to his mates. He’s a 74-year-old, Antiguan born, exuberant Hackney personality, renowned for his dapper taste and fondness for retro suits. Carmel (Sharon D Clarke), his wife of 50 years, senses that Barry has been cheating on her with other women. Little does she know what’s really going on: a secret, passionate affair with his best friend and soulmate, Morris (Ariyon Bakare).

Now facing the final chapter of his life, Barry has big choices to make that will force his whole family to question their futures.

Tamara Lawrance and Sharlene Whyte also star as Barrington and Carmel’s daughters, Maxine and Donna. Tahj Miles will play Daniel, Donna’s son and Carmel and Barrington’s grandson.

Keenan Munn-Francis plays the young Barrington opposite Gabin Kongolo as a young Morris. Lauren Akosia also joins the cast as a young Carmel, known as Carmelita.

The series also features Suzette Llewellyn, Lochlann O’Mearáin, Hopi Grace, Llewella Gideon, Doreene Blackstock, Juliet Garricks and Clint Dyer.

Nathaniel Price (The Outlaws) has adapted Everisto’s novel for television, with Hong Khaou (Alice & Jack) directing all eight episodes. Irma Inniss (Grime Kids) is the producer.

Produced by Fable Pictures (Hullraisers), the executive producers are Faye Ward, Hannah Farrell and Hannah Price for Fable Pictures, and Jo McClellan for the BBC. Lennie James and Hong Khaou also executive produce and Nathaniel Price will associate produce. Sony Pictures Television are distributing the series internationally.

Filmed in London and Antigua, the series will air later this year on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

tagged in: BBC One, Fable Pictures, Lennie James, Mr Loverman, Sharon D Clarke, Sony Pictures Television